All parents should be familiar with the laws around car seats in your area, and make sure your kids are secure and safe each time they get in the car. However, there’s a lesser-known fact about car seats that many parents overlook: they can expire. As new safety regulations are tried and tested, some car seats can become antiquated and unsafe for your child.
Why Car Seats Expire
Last year, a car accident in Wisconsin killed one person and seriously injured two others when a car slammed into a tree in Milwaukee. A 2-year old girl was involved in the crash and suffered serious injuries, but police credit her survival with her car seat. Statistics show that using a car seat the correct way can reduce the risk of death by 71%. Wisconsin accident lawyers claim incompetence on the road is one of the most common causes of crashes. In this instance, it’s crucial to make sure you’ve done all you can to protect your children.
The standard expiration date on commercial car seats is between 6 to 10 years.There is currently no government regulation over car seats that requires expiration dates, but manufacturers often take these decisions into their own hands based on general guidelines and evolving safety standards. Some of those evolving standards include:
- Improving technology. The industry is always working to develop new safety features to make their products safer. Even if an item looks like it’s in great condition, it could be missing a lifesaving safety feature.
- Worn Down Materials. Like any item we use daily, car seats are susceptible to wear and tear. Safety straps can lose elasticity, seats can lose their security, and products can start to decay in the extreme temperatures of hot and cold cars.
- Recalls & Replacement Parts. Car seats and car seat parts and often involved in national recalls. If you’re not aware of the issue, it could pose a significant safety risk to your child.
How to Check the Expiration Date
Before rushing out to buy a new car seat, check the expiration date on the one you already have. Most manufacturers stamp the expiration date on the side of base of the seat. If there’s no listed date, it will likely show the date of manufacture. If you’re within 6 years of that date, you are likely in good shape.
It’s important to remember that the expiration clock starts ticking from the date of manufacture, not the date of purchase. If you buy a used car seat or inherit one from a friend or family member, you could be facing expiration sooner than expected.
Car Seat Safety Requirements
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a list of safety standards for car seats and booster seats in the United States. According to their data, 328 children under age 5 were saved by car seats in 2016. They advocate a 3-step process:
- Find the right seat for your child. Depending on size and age, children may need a rear-facing car seat, front-facing car seat, booster seat, or standard seat belt for children over the age of 13.
- Make sure it’s installed correctly. Read all information from the manufacturer and double check the seat is securely fastened into the vehicle. In most cities, you can take your car seat to the local fire or police department for help with proper installation.
- Register your car seat. It’s important to register your car seat with the manufacturer once it’s installed, so you will receive information in the event of a recall or necessary update.
The NHTSA also suggests paying attention to expiration dates as one of their top recommendations for car seat use.
Before you hop in the car for your next ride to school or family road trip, check the expiration date on your car seats. Ensure they’re up to date, and feel confident in your family’s safety.